The Cochran Collection

History of Absence — Late 20th Century African American Works on Paper

History of Absence features prints, drawings, and collage by prominent African American artists. Their stories, as told by the works themselves, are lathered in a language unfamiliar and seemingly foreign to those unaccustomed to it. The absence suggested by the collection's title is a glance at the thing not seen, a noticeable marasmus caused by the inability of our culture to absorb what it fails to recognize.
This collection is grounded in Wes and Missy's interest in African American art and demonstrates their commitment to show the work of artists who are so often absent from the published history of 20th century art in America. It is this commitment, combined with the sense of discovery inherent in finding these artistic treasures, that has led to this exhibit.